Ortho said 12-1-10 that my C-2 and C-3 are unstable. C3 is actually hitting the plate from previous surgery from C4 - C6. Ruptured now from C6 to C7 also. About a month ago turned my head to the rt and neck cracked and immediatly started hurting. Turned it again week later popped very loud causing immediate cervie headache. It is not crepisus (spell?) it is a big snap!

Having lots of pain and cervie headaches and lots of other cervie problems , am having more and more trouble. Bouts of head and neck pain quite frequently.

Basically unable to walk very far from lumbar spine needing surgery in 2 places. You might say spine is a mess all the way down.

My question is does anyone have this problem or had the problem and what is being or was done to help with the cervical issues?

Am considering going to Emory Hospital in Atlanta, GA to check it out with them. Am 68 and wear a hard brace when in the car, shopping or around lots of people to help keep from turning my head.

Hi ~ Did you have a CT Scan in December?? If not, you had better have a new one done to see what exactly is happening in there. In fact even if you did, you still might better have another one done. It might not be anything, but you just never know.

Unfortunately having these other levels rupture or unstable is common after a fusion. This happens all the time, because these other levels have to take more of the load after a fusion or even just a regular surgery without fusion. It's called the "domino effect." Just about everyone you talk to that has had fusion or surgery has had other levels go bad on them. You are not alone.

I had 2 open lumbar spinal surgeries without fusion, and now other levels have gone "bad." Trouble is, because of osteoporosis I'm deemed inoperable so nothing can be done about it.

Call your doctor and see what he has to say. Or make an appointment and see if he'll run another CT scan. Let us know how you come out. God bless. Hugs, Lee

Froglady, I thankfully do not feel your pain right now. But I understand your concerns. Did the Ortho make those statetments from what you stated or did he take xrays, MRI or CAT scans to make a definitive statement. As Leesa stated we are more susceptible to future issues because of the strain we but on levels above and below a fusion. Even though I just had my surgery that is a BIG concern of mine. Please keep us posted on how you make out. HUGS

Leesa I had my ct and MRI a year ago and they found out what was going on but ortho said surgery too risky. Put me on a hard collar and I still have to wear it but take it off at home unless I am hurting or having some myoclonus.
I am a mess all the way down my L-spine too. Mr Domino sure has a big hold over my body. LOL
So sorry you can't get your fixed and I am thiking mine will be the same. Ortho kinda gave me that impression that my C-spine problems are here to stay. Lumbar spine needs 2 surgeries and he said one would be large one.
Still want to check out the neck to actually find out what is happening now and with a NS instead of an Ortho. Even though my ortho has done necks for 30 yrs I had rather get morre help and second opinion.

The ortho took all the tests and he sthinks it is not wise to fix it. He does not explain very much to his patients so I am s till in the dark about some of it. I think another opinion is due about now as I am going down and having too much that is scary going one. Hd the surgeryon C4 to 6 with hardware in 05 so things have deteriated agood bit since then.

Tryingto find out more about C-2 to 3 on the web but all it usually has is C2 to 4. UGH
Thanks for the hug and hugs back.